Bangladesh hit by nationwide strike

DHAKA, Bangladesh(CNN)-- About 60 passengers were injured
when protesters taking part in a three-day nationwide strike
attacked a train near the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka on
Saturday.

Earlier, six people were injured in the capital when homemade
bombs exploded, signaling the beginning of the strike. The
strike also disrupted transportation services.

The strike was called by main opposition party leaders. They
are demanding that Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia call for
early elections and resign 90 days before the voting begins.
Elections are not due until next March.

The opposition parties want the election to be supervised by
a neutral caretaker, headed by the chief justice, to ensure
free and fair voting. The prime minister says their demands
are unconstitutional and has offered only to step down 30
days before the 1996 elections. Her opponents, such as Sheik
Hasina of the Awami League, turned down the offer as
inadequate.